Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Abia State, has said that the party is devastated by the death of its governorship candidate, Professor Uche Ikonne.
This is as the PDP presidential flag bearer, Atiku Abubakar; and the former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara, have all expressed sadness over the demise of Ikonne.
Similarly, Senator Theodore Orji representing Abia Central, as well as Abia Deputy Governor, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, have registered their condolences with the family of the deceased.
Ikonne died at the National Hospital Abuja on Wednesday.
Acting Publicity Secretary of the party, Elder Abraham Amah, who addressed newsmen in Umuahia, announced the suspension of the party’s campaigns for three days in honour of Ikonne.
He said that the party has been devastated over the incident.
Abraham condoled with the members of Ikonne’s family, assuring them that the party will not abandon them.
Atiku-Okowa Campaign Organisation in a statement by its Chairman, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, also suspended all political activities in the state in honour of Ikonne.
The statement made available to Ikengaonline read in part: “The unfortunate demise of the late Ikonne was indeed a big blow to the PDP family both in the state and beyond. We mourn with members of his immediate family, Abia State Government and members as well as supporters of our great party.
“In honour of this fallen hero, Professor Ikonne, who has distinguished himself in various spheres of life, the Atiku-Okowa Presidential Campaign Council, Abia State, has suspended all political activities in the mean time until further notice.”
Senator Orji in his condolence message, said he received “with both shock and much indignation the sudden death of Prof Uche Ikonne.”
Senator Orji who described Ikonne as a personal friend and brother, commiserated with members of the bereaved family, and PDP.
“He was indeed, a dear friend, brother, fine gentleman and a huge asset of immense worth to the entire PDP family and especially Abia Central Senatorial District which has been worst hit by his passage.”
Similarly, Senator Wabara described Ikonne’s death as “disastrous and very unfortunate.”
“This tragedy, at a time we heard he was recuperating from a health challenge was indeed shocking, but we cannot question God,” Wabara lamented.
He urged the family to be consoled by the legacies left behind by the late Professor of Optometry who he said was an accomplished academic.
This is as the Abia Deputy Governor, Sir Oko Chukwu, expressed sadness over the loss of the PDP governorship candidate, describing the loss as a big tragedy to the state.
The Deputy Governor who said the news of Ikonne’s death came to him with immense shock and painful devastation, condoled with his family, Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu, and Abia PDP.
The statement read in part: “I must confess that the sad and heart-rending news of the passing on of the erudite Professor of Optometry, came to me with immense shock and painful devastation and it will be stating the obvious that Abia State and the PDP have lost an illustrious son and personality at a time his services are further needed for our common good.”
